What should I know before changing my ssri medication?

Answer by  barbie (115)

SSRI drugs are very effective, but powerful medication. You should not even remotely change the dosage without your doctor's knowledge. This family of drugs is altering the chemical balance in your brain, and any abrupt change can be dangerous. These drugs are all similar, but work in slightly different ways.

Answer by  patti (29325)

You should talk to your doctor. Some drugs require decrease dosing over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will decide, based on your medical history, what is best.

Answer by  Manda (1103)

Well, you should definitely consult your psychiatrist before switching medications. You should ask your psychiatrist what the withdrawal symptoms can be (some meds can give you really bad withdrawal symptoms). It also depends on what dose you have been taking.

Answer by  Gabriel (2146)

You're doctor is the best source of information about what you should expect. It really depends on what your currently taking and what your switching to, as well as dosage levels. You should also read the websites for the new medication, they will give you a lot of information about what to expect and side effects to watch for.

Answer by  Linda (95)

Definitely do your homework on what ssri medications are available to you. Many antidepressants have been around for years and have proven themselves successful. Go online to learn what possible side effects your new medication may possibly have. Make sure that your prescribing doctor is aware of any other medications you may currently be taking.

Answer by  jheremans (1446)

First you should consult your physician, then you have to taper your SSRI before you change, you should also know the side effects of your new medication.

Answer by  shastie (1601)

The very first thing you should do is talk to your doctor. It can be very dangerous to change any of these medications. Any change can mess up your chemical balances and cause severe side effects, like suicidal thoughts. Your doctor will probably have you slowly increase or slowly decrease your dose.

Answer by  ubcmed (185)

You need to be carefull around half lives and equivilant doses because if you take to much you are at risk for seritonin storm syndrome and if to little, withdrawl.

Answer by  shastie (1601)

Changing your ssri medications can be very dangerous. Because they work in the brain that can have harmful side effects. Sometimes this medications can cause very bad withdrawl symptoms, including making your depression worse. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to these kinds of medications.

Answer by  Bobinski (1652)

Taper the dose of the first antidepressant by 25% a day. Complete in 4-7 days. Start the second antidepressant 3 days after the cessation of the first.